Title
Title
Allocations and Reimbursements to Trial Courts | Model Self-Help Pilot Program Reallocation (Action Required)
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Summary
Summary
The Model Self-Help Pilot Program has been operating in five California trial courts since 2002. The Superior Court of Contra Costa County has decided not to continue its participation with its technology model project, and the Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee recommends that the Judicial Council allow all courts to apply for funds to expand their use of technology in providing self-help assistance as part of a consolidated technology funding application process for fiscal year (FY) 2020-21, and institute a process to determine a new Model Self-Help Technology Pilot Project for FY 2021-22.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
The Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee recommends that the Judicial Council, effective March 12, 2021:
1. Allow all courts to apply for $191,400 in FY 2020-21 Model Self-Help Pilot grant funds as part of a larger Request for Proposals (RFP) that the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) sent to all courts in January for a variety of projects, including projects focused on self-help technology. The consolidated funding and approval process would minimize the burden on courts to submit and track multiple applications and outcome reports.
2. For FY 2021-22 funds and beyond, develop an application to be submitted by interested courts to become a Model Self-Help Pilot Project focusing on providing services using technology. These applications will be reviewed by a panel from the Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee, the Information Technology Advisory Committee, and the Committee on Providing Access and Fairness. This ad hoc subcommittee will make a recommendation to the Judicial Council regarding the new pilot project. The application for FY 2021-22 and ongoing funds would be due in late spring, allowing courts to develop more meaningful projects and plans prior to the start of the October 1 funding year.
3. Direct Judicial Council staff to submit an informational report on the outcome of award and allocation decisions to the Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee, the Committee on Providing Access and Fairness, and the Information Technology Advisory Committee later this fiscal year.